Wildlife · Bhimtal and Sattal, Kumaon
Dawn birding walk around Sattal
Sattal's mix of oak forest, pine, streams and small lakes draws a long list of Himalayan birds within an easy walk. A slow dawn walk with a local guide is the best introduction to Kumaon's birdlife, whether you are a beginner with binoculars or a photographer with a long lens.
Photo: Esha.haldar0310 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsSattal lies at about 1,370 m, low enough to hold birds of the warmer foothill forest and high enough for mountain species, especially in winter when birds move downhill. Common sightings include red-billed blue magpie, great barbet, blue-throated barbet, slaty-headed parakeet, several woodpeckers including the greater yellownape, and kingfishers on the lake edges.
Most birders start at the forest road below the lakes and walk towards the Christian Ashram, then follow the stream that drains the lakes. Local guides from Sattal and nearby villages know where birds feed at different seasons, and many keep simple feeding and water points used by photographers. Ask how they work before you agree a price, and whether they use playback; we prefer guides who do not.
Winter, from November to March, brings altitudinal migrants such as thrushes and forktails to the streams. April and May are the breeding season and birds are vocal. The monsoon is wet and leeches appear, though the forest is green. Wear dull colours, bring binoculars, carry water and keep voices low. A field guide or a phone app helps with identification.
Good for
Also in Bhimtal and Sattal
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Photo: Subhrajyoti07 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Bhimtal lake walk, island and old shrine
Walk the shore of Kumaon's largest lake, take a boat to the island aquarium, and end at the Bhimeshwar Mahadev shrine b…
Photo: Alphahansraj · CC BY 3.0 · Commons
A morning kayak on Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, the lake of nine corners, is 4 km beyond Bhimtal and quieter than any lake near Nainital. A morning kayak…
Trips through Bhimtal and Sattal
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Bhimtal and Sattal. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Krishan09 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Kumaon birding: Sattal and Binsar
Private car with driver
Photo: Skalvanov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Kumaon lakes family holiday
Private car with driver
Photo: Krishan09 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Long weekend from Delhi: Nainital and Bhimtal
Overnight train to Kathgodam, shared taxis and walking
Questions
Before you book
What birds can I see at Sattal?
Regular species include red-billed blue magpie, great and blue-throated barbets, slaty-headed parakeet, several woodpeckers, laughingthrushes, tits and kingfishers. Winter adds thrushes and forktails that move down from higher forest. A local guide raises your count considerably.
When is the best season for birding at Sattal?
November to May is best. Winter brings altitudinal migrants and clear mornings; April and May bring breeding calls and plumage. July and August are wet, with leeches and fewer visiting birders.
Do I need a guide for birding at Sattal?
You can walk the road alone, but a local guide knows feeding spots, stream edges and calls, and will usually double what you see. Expect ₹1,500–3,000 per group for a half day; agree the route and whether playback is used before starting.